MAY 22 Ronald Murad Presents a Brief History of Freemasonry

21 May 2024
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Freemasons at the Dedication Ceremony of Thomas W. Osborn Civil War memorial headstone

Freemasons at the Dedication Ceremony of Thomas W. Osborn Civil War memorial headstone

Ronald Murad is a lover of history and a local resident of Fanwood for 35 years. He is also a Freemason being a member of two Masonic Research societies and a member of the Grand Lodge of NJ’s ‘Speaker Bureau.’ His personal Masonic library is almost 200 books. Clearly he is perfect to educate us about Freemasonary, the world’s oldest fraternal organization.

Historical documentation can be traced back to the 900s AD, with the current “formal” version of it dating back to 1717 when 4 lodges in London merged to form the first “Grand Lodge” of England. Its principal tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth. It operated on a democratic system and how our new country operated was based on the democratic system of the lodges’ operation. Even the “separation of church and state” was a Masonic concept.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is pleased to have Ron Murad educate us about Freemasonry at our upcoming meeting on Wednesday May 22nd. Come to this free, open to the public, meeting to learn how the Freemason’s phrases “The Brotherhood of Man Under the Fatherhood of God” and “To make good men better” illustrate the continuing work and influence of this influential national and international organization. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

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SPFHS History Club Fundraiser May 11th

3 May 2024
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The History Club of The Scotch Plains/Fanwood High School is sponsoring a fundraiser on behalf of the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains, across the street from the Stage House Restaurant, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Presidents and founders of the SPFHS History Club, Spencer Martin and Max Nicholson, encourage everyone to show support for the SPF Community to help ensure that its history is preserved for future generations to enjoy. The History Club members will be raising money to assist with the costs of restoration of the museum.
 
For those interested in visiting the c.1750 building, there will be tours of the museum given by docents dressed in 18th-century attire. There will also be 18th-century games and a craft for children to make and take home.
 
Please come out and visit the Osborn Cannonball House Museum and experience an extraordinary example of an 18th-century home.
 
Step back in time at the Osborn House and see, hear, and feel what life was like for an 18th Century Scotch Plains family. We hope to see you there!

For more information email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908-322-6700 Extension 230.

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Osborn Cannonball House Museum Open May 5th

3 May 2024
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The Osborn Cannonball House, located at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains, will be open to the public on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2.p.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Period accurate, costumed docents will be giving tours of this c.1750 museum, which was home to one of Scotch Plains earliest families. The story of the family of Jonathan and Abigail Osborn, the owners of the home in the 18th century, is a fascinating one. The Osborns are part of the early fabric that helped create the tapestry of the Scotch Plains that we know today.
 
Two of the Osborn sons fought in the war for freedom against the British practically in their own backyard. In fact, a skirmish took place right in front of their home on the corner of Front Street and Park Avenue in Scotch Plains during The Battle of the Short Hills on June 26, 1777. The nickname given by the neighbors to the house of “Cannonball House” comes from a legend that the house was hit by an errant cannonball during that battle.
 
Also on display at the museum will be summer dresses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a collection of original accessories from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, including shoes, purses, hats, etc. from the museum’s vast collection of antique clothing and accessories.

There will be a craft for children to make in the museum’s craft tent and a snack for them as well.

Step back in time at the Osborn House and see, hear, and feel what life was like for an 18th Century Scotch Plains family. We hope to see you there!
 

For more information email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908-322-6700 Extension 230.

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